Solar is preferred by many for multiple reasons. Some want to have an option that will decrease their dependence on the electrical grid. Others want to switch to a renewable and clean energy option. Statistics have shown that the main reason that most people install solar is to save money. To benefit entirely from the saving that accompanies solar panel installations, it is vital to source your materials from professional suppliers. You can visit review sites such as Britainreviews.co.uk and read the best green energy supplier online reviews. From the reviews, you’ll see the feedback of past clients with specific suppliers. Avoid negatively reviewed supplies. If you have some background in installation, you can do it by yourself. This article offers some important tips that will help you while installing solar panels.
Mounting systems
Solar mounting refers to the support system to your solar panels and what the whole structure has been attached to. There are various types of mounting systems for solar panels. Below the two basic mounting systems have been discussed to help you better understand installations.
1. Flat Roof Mounting Systems
Typically, big-box store applications and manufacturing plants have flat rooftops and are perfect for industrial and commercial solar applications. At times these roofs might be slightly tilted. The greatest advantage that this mounting system offers is that it is usually placed on a huge surface level, making installing quick and easy. A majority of flat roof mounting system utilizes the foot as the base assembly. This is a tray or basket-like piece of hardware placed on the rooftop such that it holds the panel along its tops edges, and at the bottom, it holds ballast blocks to keep the panels in place. Panels should at all times be installed at an angle that will ensure they capture maximum sunlight. The quantity of ballast that will be needed will mostly depend on the load limit of the roof. If the roof cannot support as much weight, it will be necessary to make some penetrations. The panels are attached to the mountain system by use of clips or clams. If the roof is a large flat one, it is best to position your panels facing southwards. Nevertheless, east-west configurations are also known to enhance the efficient generation of solar energy.
2. Sloped roof Mounting System
In residential solar installations, sloped rooftops are common. There is a wide range of mountain options for sloped rooftop, including rail-less, railed and shared rail. A majority of the sloped rooftops will need some anchoring or penetration into the roof. Typically, in residential systems, rows of solar panels are supported by rails attached to the roof. A majority of panels are placed in a vertical position and by use of clamps that are connected to two rails. Rail-less systems typically are directly attached to the hardware connected to the screw/bolt that penetrates the roof as opposed to attaching them to rails. In Slopped roof mounting system, it is possible to position solar panels in any alignment with rail-free systems. For shared rail systems usually, they have solar panels in two rows, the panels are attached to four rails, and one rail is removed, and the two rows of the panel are clamped on a common middle rail. Only a few penetrations are needed on share-rail systems, bearing in mind that a full rail length was formerly removed. Though initially it was believed that it is impossible to install non-penetrating and ballasted mountain system on sloped roofs, they are continually acquiring more and more popularity. The sloped roof mountain system is made unique by the fact that panels usually are draped above the roof’s peak, making it possible for the weight of the system to be distributed equally on both sides.
Tips on selecting the best inverter for your solar system:
- Always consider the warranty that the manufacturer is providing before purchasing the invertor. A majority of manufacturers offer at least an eight-year warranty. The best case is to go for an inverter with a 10 to 20 years warranty. Avoid investors with a warranty of less than eight years.
- Go for an MPPT solar inverter.
- Typically, the chosen invertor should never exceed 20% of the cost of the solar panels in your installation. Here, it is important to involve a professional to ensure that you don’t sacrifice performance.
- Decide whether you only require one inverter or you need many
- Always purchase an inverter that has an allowance to accommodate extra loads in the future.
In conclusion, with this article, you have important information that will help you install your solar panels and choose the best inverter for your system.